Best Hospital Corner Guards in the UK | NHS-Compliant Wall Protection
28th Jun 2025
Best Hospital Corner Guards in the UK: NHS-Compliant Solutions
In busy healthcare environments, where walls face constant contact from beds, trolleys, and cleaning equipment, corner guards provide essential protection. These subtle yet powerful fixtures help hospitals meet NHS hygiene and safety standards, reduce repair costs, and maintain a professional, damage-free appearance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of corner guards for UK hospitals, what NHS standards recommend, and how to select the right product for your facility.
Why Corner Guards Matter in Healthcare Settings
Hospitals experience constant wear and tear, especially in corridors and patient areas. The right wall protection helps prevent:
- Damage from hospital beds, wheelchairs, and mobile equipment
- Infection risks due to chipped or cracked surfaces
- Costly plastering and repainting
- Safety hazards caused by sharp corners or broken wall edges
Medical-grade corner guards offer a clean, durable, and compliant solution — designed for daily disinfection and heavy-duty use.
NHS Guidelines for Wall & Corner Protection
The NHS recommends corner and wall protection as part of its hospital design and maintenance strategy. Relevant documents include:
- HTM 63 & HTM 64: Guidance on fittings and sanitary spaces
- NHS Infection Control Guidelines: Focus on hygienic, easy-to-clean materials
- BS 8300-2:2018: Promotes accessibility and durable, contrasting finishes
NHS-recommended features include:
- Smooth, non-porous surfaces
- High-impact resistance
- Easy-clean, antimicrobial options for clinical zones
- Fire-rated (Class 1 or better) materials
- LRV-compliant colours for visual contrast
Top Corner Guard Types for Hospitals
1. PVC-U Corner Guards
Best for: General wards, corridors, outpatient clinics
Why: Affordable, high-impact, hygienic, and easy to install
2. Antimicrobial PVC or Vinyl Corner Guards
Best for: ICU, operating theatres, infectious disease wards
Why: Embedded antimicrobial agents help inhibit bacterial growth
3. Stainless Steel Corner Guards
Best for: Kitchens, sterile labs, surgical suites
Why: Ultra-hygienic, non-corrosive, easy to disinfect
4. Heavy-Duty Rubber or Aluminium Corner Guards
Best for: Service corridors, back-of-house, loading zones
Why: Withstand heavy loads and trolleys; ideal for protection at scale
Corner Guard Compliance Checklist
| Feature | NHS Preference | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PVC-U, Stainless Steel | Durable, hygienic, and NHS compliant |
| Installation Method | Adhesive or Mechanical | Mechanical fixings for heavy traffic; adhesive for cleanrooms |
| Colour Options | LRV Compliant | Assists in wayfinding and accessibility |
| Fire Rating | Yes (Class 1 or better) | Ensures fire safety compliance in healthcare environments |
| Antimicrobial Properties | Recommended | Helps prevent infection in sterile areas |
Installation Best Practices
- Install guards from floor to 1.2–1.5m height (above bed/trolley line)
- Use mechanical fixings in corridors and high-traffic zones
- Seal edges with silicone for improved hygiene
- Schedule installation during low-traffic or off-peak hours
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines and NHS trust specifications
Explore Our Hospital-Grade Range
We supply a wide range of PVC-u corner guards and stainless steel corner protectors designed for NHS hospital and healthcare environments.
Download NHS Corner Guard Buyer’s Guide (PDF)
- View all corner guards here →
- Contact us for expert advice or trade pricing
- Download our complete installation guide (PDF)
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right corner guard is not just a design decision — it’s a compliance, safety, and long-term cost-saving measure. Whether you're outfitting a new NHS ward or upgrading an existing trust building, our NHS-compatible corner guards and wall guards provide the quality, safety, and durability you need.
Ready to protect your healthcare space? Shop Hospital Corner Guards